How to Fix Your Botched At-Home Dye Job

Few things can reduce an otherwise accomplished, self-assured woman to a neurotic, fumbling mess than trying to color her own hair.

There's choosing the right shade (am I cool or warm?), selecting the proper formula (do I want semi-permanent or am I ready for more of a commitment?), having the patience for the "strand test" (yeah, um, no), and, yes, reconciling yourself to the fact that you're never going to look anything like the chick on the box -- even if your hair turns out great. Which it won't.

Sounds about right, no?

Related: Foolproof Tips for Dyeing Your Hair at Home

Thing is, as anyone who colors their hair properly can tell you, it really is not molecular biology. And if you equip yourself with pro tips like these from Clairol's Color Director, Marie Robinson, you can solve even the most horrendous mis-steps (and, even better, learn how to prevent them in the future).

Problem: Green hair
Fast Fix: Ketchup
Blondes may have more fun, but not when their hair turns green. A quick dip in chlorinated water or too much sun exposure is all it takes to cause an unwanted color change. When this happens, Robinson advises a nifty homemade remedy: "Washing hair with ketchup is a simple and quick way to cancel out green tones." We know it sounds crazy, but the red from the tomatoes counteracts the green tints. And the acid helps remove minerals that caused the nasty chemical color reaction. Simply massage the ketchup into your hair with your fingertips, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse out thoroughly with cool water.

Problem: Gray roots
Fast Fix: Eyeshadow
If you color your hair to camouflage gray roots, but you don't have time to touch up before your next board meeting, Robinson says to "try dusting a matching shade of eyeshadow on your part to hide grays." Here's how to apply it: "Take a makeup brush, dampen the bristles, and dip into powder. Then, dab the shadow on your part where it's gray," says Robinson.

Problem: Dull color from product buildup
Fast Fix: Apple cider vinegar
Overusing the same products can cause buildup that coats your hair, giving it a dull appearance. To help your color shine through, de-gunk your hair with a clarifying shampoo like Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, $5.99. Or if you want to save the cash, Robinson recommends using a natural hair rinse once in a while -- such as apple cider vinegar, which can remove buildup. Try this homemade hair-clarifying recipe: Mix one part apple cider vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle and apply it to your scalp. Rub it in until it gets fizzy, then rinse with cool water. Follow with a light conditioner and you'll be left with shiny, soft, build-up free hair.

Problem: Obvious, different-colored roots
Fast Fix: Braid your hair
Don't you just love it when you can look chic and trendy while also covering up a major color flaw? Braiding mixes the two-toned hair, which helps make the roots less noticeable. Side-braid the front of your hair, including any bangs you may have, and tuck it behind one ear. For more unique braids, click here.

Here's a step-by-step tutorial:
Step 1: Create a deep side part, and section off the front part of your hair that you'd like to braid.
Step 2: Spritz a thickening root spray or a texturizing spray (try Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Texturizing Sea Spray, $20) to the front section.
Step 3: Tease the front section with a fine-toothed teasing comb to give it volume.
Step 4: Start French-braiding the teased hair along your hairline, including any bangs if you have them.
Step 5: Secure the end of the braid behind your ear with a couple bobby pins.

Robinson also recommends that blondes "zigzag their part instead of [creating] a straight one to camouflage grown-out highlights."

Problem: Dull-looking hair
Fast Fix: Cold water
"Exposure to the elements can result in hair looking dull," says Robinson. For example, the sun breaks down color molecules in hair follicles, and dry, cold weather can make hair brittle. But, she says, "This can easily be reversed with simple tweaks to your everyday routine that cost next to nothing. [In the shower], I recommend doing a final rinse with cool to cold water -- this enhances shine potential [by closing the hair follicle and making it lie flat]." Next, "make sure you have the right brush. A boar-bristle brush is best, as it evenly distributes natural oils in your hair. [And] when drying hair, gently pat it down with a towel, don't rub or pull your strands."

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